New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-06-13
NEW-YORK. MONDAY JUNE I3, 1887
1T WAS ONLY SAID IN JEST.
HOW THE STORY ABOUT MoLoNEY STARTED
HE HAS REFUSED ALL INDUCEMENTS TO TESTIFY
HIS CONNECTION WITH SHARP.

/
| HIS CONNECTION WITH SHARP.
The 6utter occasioned by the statement published
on Saturday afternoon that "Billy" Mooney going
to turn fnformer testify against "Jake" Sharp and
others indicted for bribery in connection with the
broadway road their conviction and go scot
free himself, continued yesterday because several
Sunday newspapers prOfessed to have found conhrma
tion OF tho report. But THE TRIBUNE Is better in
formed and can again repeat, what 1t stated so en-
phaticany yesterday, that Moloney will not
tcsify against Jake" Sharp. Nor has he given any
ntmatlon that he will testify against anybody elso
corrupty concerned in the Broadway Surface Rail-
way business Those people who have been fright
cned by these reports rest easy for the present.
80 far as Mooney is concerned Meanwhile Of
course, the DstrctAttorney and his assistants will
continue studously to refrain from either confirming
or denying the reports. Obviously 1t isn't good
policy for them to show at this stage Of the game
what cards they have have not got to play. II
the enemy can be frightened and demoralzed by
false reports Of this character the lawyers for the
people will do nothing to restore their equanlmty.
Some Of the newspapers yesterday quoted ex-Judge
Nelson. ono Of sharp's lawyers, saying that Mr..
Nicon had told him that "Blly" Mo
loney would give evidence for the people
When asked about this statement Mr.. Ncol said that
ho had recollection Of having said anything of tho
kind TO cxJudge Nelson and this IA confirmed by q
dispatch received from Poughkeepsie last night In
which Mr.. Nelson is quoted saying that Mr. Stckney
told him the story Ono newspaper stated that
DistrctAttorncy MARITIME Joined Mr.. Nico In making
this communication to Mr.. Nelson and tells what Mr.
MARITIME said. "That's a fiat fabrication" said Mr.
MARITIME yesterday. Il never said anything Of the
kind. should not be surprised to hear, though that
some one has told Nelson. Mr. Sckncy that Moony
Keenan, and everybody else who could turn nformer
would do But should be surprised to hear that
they regarded such talk sober statement OF facts"
The origin of the story, as told by one who is in
position to know about 1t, confirms the theory that
the highly sensational report had It's inception in
fancy than fact. As related by THE TRIBUsEs In
formant, tho story had its basis in
conversation between Mr. Nicoll and
Mr.. stickney during the sharp trial Friday after
noon. The proceedings during the day had been par
tcularly dull and tedious. Eightysix talesmen had
been examined and most Of them found to be
unfit for jury duty. During an interval when neither
wore occupied in anything more serious than nlbbng
tho ends Of their pencils tho young Assistant District
Attorney and Mr.. Stckney began to chan each other
about tho evidence which they expected to put In.
"By tho way what about the great surprises
you've got In store for us I" quered Mr.. stickney.
"oh, we've got them" replied Mr.. Ncoll.
81 hear you going to put Billy Moloney on the
stand I" half questioned half asserted Sharps shrcwd
lawyer.
"Oh, yes; that's right" responded Mr.. NicOll In a
iocular manner. "We'l have MCloncy keenan, and
all the boodlcrs hand to tell their story. Just at
the proper moment during the trial we propose TO
have MOoney brought into court escorted by Inspector
Byrncs and three Central Office detectives and he VIII
DO 80 disguised that his children won't recognize
him. Then we'll put him In the witness chair, sud
denly away his disgulscs and watch the tabcau"
What was intended by Mr.. Nlcoll mere pleas
antry must have been accepted by Mr. stckney as
the truth. lie repeated II 10 Judge Nclson and 1t
Is probable that the latter todd the story to his FRIEND
Major Hincllcy Of "The Gnphic," who Is a resident
OF Poughkecpsic, where Mr. Nelson h'cs ana thal III
this way 1t found It's way into print
Il !, san on the highest possible authority that
there is no likelihood Of Molonoy coming to New
York to testify against sharp. Immunity from pun
lshnent and other considerations have been offered
70 him ne would turn informer, but he has persist
entity declined to negotiate with the District Attorney.
AZ Is pretty generally known among his friends that
he Is supported Jn his exile by sharp and that he Is
lot likely to 10 without funds long ~ the old
irIai bcgan il il said that hc made a demand for
large sum uIon Mr. sharp. and that he intuated that
unicss the fun amount he desired was forthcoming
he would come to Nowfork ana zen the whole truth
sharp j. believed 10 have sent all that was asked
for aud Will probably have 10 send considerably moro
before his casc gets 20 the Jury; ,roo,o. p,.rro.
dctectvs had been unable TO find eN-pohce Justice
Hogan, for whom they have subpoena TO testify IN
the sharp trial for the people. TRIBUNE reporter
who called at Police Headquarters was told that Mr.
Hogan lived away down,town-somcwhere in the
Mr logan lives at 80. 10 West INgefth-st.'
and nenu.c he the tSevcs sa@ SnggH cn tho G
bic TO ascertain where he lives or haven't happened
find him az home Mrs Hogan ASSURED tho re- c,
leaving the city and could bo found at home at any
reasonable hour. 49,. .o.,
IN the IN. sn9 case ho T Genco De have ali
percmptory challenges but tho District Attorney h9s
SS & to- stG II G o1G T they
will It, and Mr. MARITIME VIII not scIupe 10 use use
ofmproying the Jury SO It IA not all certain that the
jury will be completed to-day.